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# of wineries: 15+
Don't miss: Vanessa
Common varietals: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay
Wine region: Similkameen Valley
40 minutes west of Oliver is an entirely different BC wine region: the Similkameen Valley!
The Similkameen, runs through a narrow and rocky valley flagged by steep mountains on either side. A winding highway (the #3 if you are familiar) also cuts right through which conveniently connects the Fraser Valley where I live, to the South Okanagan. This makes the Similkameen a perfect midday stop when travelling to the South Okanagan from BC's Fraser Valley and Lower Mainland.
I usually only stop at one or two wineries while driving through so I haven't experienced a lot of the Similkameen. But this changes in 2023 because I will be exploring the area a lot more!
Bonus: there is a LOT of other types of farming happening in the area so you can find all sorts of fruits and veggies at roadside stands when they are in season! Peaches, plums, apples, berries, cherries, potatoes, corn, you name it!
Surrounded by steep mountains on either side, the Similkameen runs through a very narrow and rocky valley. Similar to the Okanagan Valley, the Similkameen also sees high temperatures during the day and cooler overnight temperatures. However, the steep mountains help to trap the heat in the Valley so it stays a bit warmer after sunset. The soil is also loaded with calcium carbonate which gives wine grown in the area a lovely minerality.
A key feature of the Similkameen is a strong wind that rips through the valley every day. You can hear it rumbling down the valley as it approaches—we nearly lost our wine glasses on multiple occasions! This wind plays an important role by keeping the vines dry and free from pests. This is a major reason why organic farming does so well in this valley. Fun fact: it's the organic farming capital of Canada!
Thanks to the towering mountains, some vineyards are covered in shade early in the day. These spots are perfect for growing early ripening grapes like Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Riesling.
The vineyards that don't get shade coverage experience long days of basking in the hot sun which helps big reds like Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon thrive!
The Similkameen Valley is one of BC's nine Geographical Indications (GI) meaning that it is a recognized wine region. If wine is grown and made in the Similkameen, you can see Similkameen Valley listed on a wine label.
P.S. if you don't know the bold italicized words, there are definitions at the bottom of the page to make it easier!
This is an area that I definitely need to explore more. I can't wait to spend more time here!
MY FAVES:
Crowsnest Vineyards - This winery blew me away! Their wines are fantastic and I love that they offer live music nights in their vineyard and amazing food from their onsite restaurant. Oh, and did I mention that they also have a bakery producing some incredible sourdough breads? This is a must visit in the Similkameen.
Orofino Vineyards - while the hospitality felt a little lacking, their courtyard is absolutely stunning and transports to Europe as you sip on their amazing wines. Only 3 min from Crowsnest.
Vanessa Vineyards - Right along the main highway through the Similkameen Valley sits Vanessa. The sun soaked vineyard is a stark contrast to their dark and moody tasting room. They make incredible Syrah, some of my fave in BC! Their Viognier is so popular that it sells out every year before I can try it. Only 9 min from Orofino.
If you have time:
Corcelettes Estate Winery - Specializing in Bordeaux style reds like Cab Sauv, Merlot and Cab Franc, they only use grapes that are grown in the Similkameen. When you drink Corcelettes wines you are truly getting a taste of their particular terroir. 10 min from Vanessa
Hugging Tree Winery - this quaint little family-run winery makes incredibly small production wines. While they technically aren't certified organic, their grapes are farmed with organic practices. They purchased and planted on two new vineyards in 2019 so their portfolio will be expanding soon! 1 min from Corcelettes
Eau Vivre Winery - A small family-run winery where quite literally, the winemaker does everything! While all of the wines weren't my fave on this particular visit, the winemaker's infectious passion made it such a great experience and I will absolutely be back to keep trying their wines. They also have a tasting room in District Wine Village. Only 2 min from Crowsnest.
There are a few more wineries in the Similkameen Valley that I haven't had the chance to visit. But if you have never been, this is a good starting point!
While I often drive right through, I have found that there are quite a few cute Airbnb's and accommodations in the area that are perfect for a quiet and cozy stay. With most wineries being centred around the little towns of Cawston and Keremeos, look for a place to stay near there.
The Organic Acres Cabin - Nestled in an organic apple orchard, this is the ultimate stay in the Similkameen only a short walk or drive to many awesome wineries. Spend as much time as you want on the adorable property soaking in the orchard views, or visit the nearby wineries and restaurants. The hosts are so kind, provide a lot of useful information prior to your stay, and even offer options like candle making classes to enhance your stay. How fun?!
GI: Geographical Indication; a specific wine region in BC which can be indicated on wine labels. BC has nine GIs as well as sub-GIs.
Terroir: all of the environmental things that can affect the taste of grapes. These are things that make the vineyard or area unique such as the soil, climate, altitude, proximity to mountains or lakes etc. Basically, the unique parts of a vineyard create distinct wines!
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